Packing-paper-cup-making machine



E. L. BRACY.

PACKING PAPER CUP MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 20, I917.

1,338,552. e ted Apr. 27, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Eda/are? 1."; Bra 0y Ema 4 SHEETSSHEET 2.

E. L. BRACY. PACKING PAPER CUP MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 20,1917- Patented Apr. 27, 1920.

WwS-SQLS E. L. BRACY. PACKING PAPER CUP MAKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 20. 1911.

1,338,552. P t nted Apr. 27, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

lllhuu E. L, BRACY.

PACKING PAPER CUP MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mm JULY 20l 1917.

1,338,552. Pa ented Apr- 27, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4- zqv zneesatsf M21 01" q; WV mardlfirac W4, 9% &M

I I filer/26y,

EDWARD L. BRACY, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

PACKING-PAPER-GUP-MAKING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 27, 1920.

Original application filed January 3, 1917, Serial No. 140,398. Divided and this application filed July 20,

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWARD L. BRACY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Baltimore, in the State of h laryland, have invented new and useful Tm rovements in Packing-Paper-Cup-Making achines, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to improvements in machines for making packing paper cups, and more particularly those adapted to serve as a wrapper, casing or ing a division of my parent application.-

which has matured into Patent No. 1,271,422.

The machine comprises improved means for feeding and advancing forming blocks with wrappers past mechanism for folding the wrappers upon the blocks to shape and produce the cups or receptacles, and improved means for removing the finished or completed cups or receptacles from the forming blocks. I

To these and other ends, the invention consists in certain improvements, and combinations and arrangements of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out particularly in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the accompanying drawings:-

Figure -1 is a side elevation of a paper cup-making machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of a portion of the machine, parts being removed.

Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal vertical section through 'the upper portion of the machine.

Fig. 4 represents a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrow.

Figs. 5 and 6 represent sections on the lines 5-5 and 6-6, respectively, of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 represents a section on the line 7-7 of Fig. 1.

Serial No. 181,791.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the folding devices.

Fig. 9 represents a vertical longitudinal section, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the folding channel or box, and taken on the line 9-9, Fig. 13.'

Fig. 10 is a view of the under side of the top of the folding channel or box.

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the bottom of the folding channel or box.

Fig. 12 represents a transverse section of the folding channel or box on the line 12-12 of Fig. 8.

Figs. 18 and 14 represent transverse sections through the folding box on the lines 13-13 of Fig. 8 and 14-14 of Fig. 9, respectively.

Fig. 15 represents a transverse section through the folding channel or box on the line 15-15 of Fig. 8. V

Fig. 16 represents a section on the line 16-16 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 17 is a side elevation of the device for removing the completed cups from the locks and for receiving the separated cups and blocks.

Fig. 18 represents a section on the line 18-18 of Fig. 17

Fig. 19 represents a section on the line 19-19 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 20represents a section on the line 20-20 of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 21 is a detail view showing the forming block in top plan.

Similar parts are designated by the same reference characters in the several views.

The present invention provides a machine for producing packing paper cups or receptacles into which packets of cigarettes, tobacco, or contents of other character or form may be subsequently introduced. The machine, as shown in the accompanying drawings and hereinafter described, is ca pable of producing such cups or recepta- -cles with rapidity and facility, and the cups or receptacles are so made that they present no interior obstruction which might inter-- fere with or render difficult the subsequent introduction of their contents. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not restricted to the particular construction shown, as equivalent constructions are contemplated and will be included within the scope of the claims.

in the present instance, the machine comprisesa suitable base or frame 1 having a power or driving shaft 2 mounted in suitable bearings 3 in the frame, the shaft having a pulley or equivalent device 4: through which power is transmitted. thereto, and a clutch 5 having a controlling lever 6 is providcd to enable the attendant to start and stop the machine as conditions may require. According to the present invention, a mum ber of free or unattached forming blocks a are employed, the cups or receptacles being formed upon. these blocks while the blocks are advanced or circulated through the ma chine. Preferably, and as shown, a magazine 7 is provided to contain a supply of these forming blocks in the form of a stack A, the blocks of the stack preferably rest ing one upon another with their flat sides in engagement, and a reciprocatory plunger 8 operates across the bottom of the magazine and pushes the forming blocks successively therefrom. The ejecting plunger for the forming blocks may be operated by a gear segment 9, a rack 10 operatively connected thereto, and a cam 11, the latter being fixed on the power or drive shaft 2. The paper sheets from which the cups or receptacles are to be made are preferably presented flatwise to the forward end of the lowermost forming block in the magazine whereby the advance of this forming block incident to its ejection or removal from the magazine will cause doubling of the sheet upon the upper and lower flat sides of the forming block. In the present instance, the mechanism for feeding the paper sheets, applying adhesive thereto at appropriate places, and presenting these sheets to the forming blocks is similar to the corresponding parts of the machine fully shown and described in my prior Patent No. 1,234,722, to which patent reference is made for a complete explanation of the construction and mode of operation of a mechanism suitable for the performance of these functions. Briefly described, the mechanism shown comprises a runway 12 in which the sheets of appropriate size are placed, and the sheets are advanced along this runway, in a direction toward the left in Fig. 1, by an endless chain or conveyer 13 which has hooks or projections 141 thereon which project upwardly through the bottom of the runway and engage the sheets resting thereon, the movement of the chain serving to advance the sheets. A pasting or gumming device 15 operates to apply lines of paste or adhesive along those portions of the sheet which, in the making of the cup or receptacle, will constitute the last folded flaps thereof. A chute 16 is located at the end of the runway toward which the sheets are fed, this chute being arranged to receive the sheets and to guide them into a position perpendicular to the direction in which the forming blocks are advanced.

Stops 17 at the bottom of the chute position the sheets so that the middle of each sheet will be in line with the forward end of the forming block as the latter is brought into engagement therewith. As, in my prior Patent No. 1,271,422 referred to, the walls of the chute are apertured to permit the forming block to pass therethrough and to double the sheet upon its upper and lower sides. Folding mechanism of different kinds may be used, that shown corresponding to the mechanism showniand described in my aforesaid Patent No. 1,271,422, it comprising a folding box or channel 18 located beyond the chute and in alinement with theopenings therein, and this folding box or channel receives the forming block and the sheet doubled thereon and it contains devices for folding successively the lowerside flaps, the bottom flaps, and the top flaps of the sheet against the two sides of the block to form the cup or receptacle. As shown, the folding box or channel comprises upper and lower sections 19 and 20, the upper section 19 at the receiving end of the box or channel preferably having a width corresponding to the width of the sheet from which the cup or receptacle is to be made and having down-- wardly directed flanges 21 to cooperate with the edges of that portion of the sheet which is on the upper side of the forming block, the flanges serving to maintain the sheet in properly centered relation to the-forming block, and the lower section at the receiving end of the folding box or channel is narrowed to a width corresponding substantially to the width of the forming block. The first folding operation is performed while the forming block having a sheet-doubled thereon occupies a position in the receiving end of the folding box, this first folding operation consisting in folding. up-

. wardly the two lower side flaps or margins of the sheet against the respective sides of the folding block. Preferably, and as shown, the first fold is effected by a pair of folding blades 22 which are carried by a head 23 attached to vertically movable rods 24:, the latter being guided in a bearing 25 which is in fixed relation to the frame of the machine, and the rods 24 are reciprocated at appropriate intervals by a cam 26, the latter being fixed on the power or drive shaft 2. The folding blades 22 are so spaced that when they rise to perform the folding operation they straddle or pass the side edges of the lower section 20 of the folding box, the upper edges of the folding blades coming against the margins of the sheet which project beyond the narrowed or re duced portion of the folding box, and the continued upward movement of these folding blades bends these flanges or margins against the sides of the forming blocks. At the time the first fold is made, the sheet projects from opposite sides of the forward end of the forming block, and in order to provide for a compact and uniform folding of the flaps at the forward end of the forming block, the folding blades 22 are provided with ears 27 which project outwardly from the respective folding blades and at substantially a right angle thereto. These ears are located at the ends of the folding blades opposite to the forward end of the forming block at the time the first fold is made, and these ears or wings 27 bend and crease the sheet sharply and regularly on diagonal lines at the closed end or bottom of the cup. In the folding box or channel immediately beyond the folding blades 22 are located a pair of end folders 28, these end folders being located in the opposite sides of the box or channel and they are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the forming blocks to enable these forming blocks and the sheets thereon to pass. The ends 29 of the end folders 28 occupy positions opposite to the ears or wings 27 when the latter are elevated and they cooperate with the cars 27 to fold or crease the sheet on the diagonal lines referred to. Each forming block at the first step in its advance through the folding box or channel will position the sheet thereon in operative relation with the lower side folding blades 22, and the middle portions of the sheet which project from opposite sides of the forward end of the forming block will rest against the forward ends 29 of the bottom folders 28, and hence the lower side folds and the folds on the diagonal lines at the closed end of the cup are made at one operation.

The folders 28 serve to double or bend the middle portions of the sheet against the sides of the forming block to make the bottom fold of the cup or receptacle, and these folds are made during the second step in the advance of the forming block through the folding box or channel, the advance of the block causing the portions of the sheet projecting from opposite sides of its for ward end to be bent or folded against the previously folded lower side flaps owing to the passage of the block through the space b'twcen the folders 28. In order to provide for the bulging of the sheet during this end folding operation, the upper section 19 of the folding box is provided with recesses or cavities 30. These cavities will permit the end folds to be made in the sheet without buckling the sheet, and the further advancing movement of the block will cause the second folds of the sheet to be made sharply. The final operation of folding the upper side flaps of the sheet downwardly upon the two previously folded flaps at each side of the block is performed during the further advance of the block through the folding box or channel. Preferably, and shown,

the upper section 19 of the folding box is formed at its sides with converging plows or inclines 31 which receive the outstanding margins or flaps of the sheet at the up per side of the block and to which the lines of adhesive have been applied, and the advancing movement of the block causes these plows to fold these upper side flaps against the previously folded lower side flap and the end or bottom flaps.

Toward its discharge end, the folding box or channel has a reduced portion 32 which conforms substantially to the crosssection of the forming block and the cup or receptacle thereon, the formed receptacle being thereby held in proper shape and the folded flaps being retained in properly folded relation during the remainder of the travel of the forming block and receptacle through the folding box.

In order to insure permanent adherence of the pasted and folded flaps of the receptacle, a runway is provided to receive the receptacles containing their forming blocks from the folding box. As shown, a channel 33 is provided having springs or resilient strips 34% arranged. at the sides thereof and in position to bear upon the folded flaps of the receptacles. These springs or resilient strips toward one end of the channel are pressed inwardly by spring plungers 35, and the top of the channel is closed by a plate 36 which is pressed downwardly by springs 37. Toward the other end of the channel, a pair of electric heaters 38 is provided, the heaters acting to dry the adhesive holding the folded flaps. Preferably, and. as shown, these heaters are located imme diately against the outer sides of the springs or resilient strips 34;, and they are pressed inwardly with a yielding pressur by springs 89. The forming blocks with the cups or receptacles thereon advance through the folding box and the channel just described while the blocks are in end-to-end contact, and the advancing movement is effected step-by-step by the slide or plunger 8 which removes the forming blocks successively from the magazine. Each time a forming block is removed from the magazine, it abuts against and advances the forming block immediately in advance thereof, and in this way all the forming blocks in the folding box and the channel are advanced simultaneously and by a step-by step movement.

After the formation of the cups or receptacles has been completed, the cups or receptacles are removed from their forming blocks and the forming blocks may then be returned to the magazine-for subsequent use. The mechanism provided by the present invention for removing the cups or receptacles from their forming blocks comprises a pair of sectors 40 having friction faces 41 on their peripheries, these friction faces being concentric with the shafts 42 with which the sectors rotate. The friction faces 41 are preferably composed of strips of relatively soft rubber and they may be secured in position by clamps 43 which grip their ends. The sectors are located at opposite sides of the line along which the forming blocks with the receptacles thereon are advanced and they are located immediately beyond the discharge end of the channel 33. The shafts 42 which carry the sectors and on which the sectors rotate as axes are journaled in bearings 44 and they are connected for simultaneous rotation by pairs of gears 45 which connect these shafts to a driving shaft 46. The latter may be driven continuously in any suitable way, it being shown provided in the present instance with a sprocket wheel 47 with which a chain 48 cooperates, this chain being driven from a sprocket wheel 49, and the latter is driven from a chain 50, this latter chain being driven from a shaft 51 connected to the power or drive shaft 2. The friction faces on the sec tors rotate in unison so that they bear simultaneously on the gummed or pasted flaps of the receptacle at opposite sides of the forming block, as each forming block is brought into a position between the sectors. The sectors move in a direction away from the discharge end of the channel 33 and they therefore exert a force on the cup or receptacle which tends to pull the receptacle and the forming block forward. In order to retain the forming block during the action of the sectors, a detent, 52 is provided, this detent carrying a pin 53 which enters an aperture 54 in the forming block as the latter reaches a position where it presents a cup or receptacle thereon to the sectors. The detent may be operated at appropriate intervals by any suitable connections, an operating cam 55 being provided for this purpose on the power or drive shaft, and this cam operating the detent through a link 56 and a detent operating arm 57. In order to facilitate removal of the cups or receptacles from the forming blocks, each forming block is preferably provided with grooves or channels a which will permit air to enter the cup or receptacle during its withdrawal, thus avoiding a vacuum within the cup or receptacle. Also, each forming block is preferably provided with recesses a to compensate for the increased thickness of the side walls of the cups or receptacles where the end or bottom folds are made. This is advantageous in that it insures substantially uniform pressure upon the pasted side flaps of the receptacle during the travel of the same through the channel 33.

The present invention also provides means for delivering the finished cups or receptacles and the forming blocks in such a way as to separate the receptacles from the blocks, enabling the blocks'to be returned to the magazine for subsequent use and the receptacles to be collected or conveyed from the machine for the subsequent reception of their contents. 'Preferably, and as shown, a rocker 58 is provided, it being mounted on a shaft 59 and arranged to rotate in an are opposite to the discharge side of the sectors. This rocker has a pair of pockets 60 and 61 therein, the pocket 60 being adapted to receive a receptacle after the same has been removed from its forming block, and the pocket 61 is adapted to receive the forming block from which the receptacle was removed. The receptacle is fed into the pocket 60 while the rocker occupies such a position that the pocket 60 is in the line of discharge of the sectors, and the pocket 61 receives the forming block after the rocker has rotated so as to bring the pocket 61 into the line of discharge of the block. Spring latches 62 and 63 may be provided above the pockets to retain the receptacle and block, respectively, therein. The outer sides of these pockets, however, are open, and when the rocker is in position to receive a receptacle the pocket 61 will be inclined sufficiently to cause the forming block therein to discharge by gravity. Also, when the rocker occupies its reverse position, that is to say, while it is receiving a forming block in the pocket 61, the pocket 60 will be inclined laterally to an extent suflicient to cause the receptacle therein to drop by gravity therefrom. The receptacles may be deposited in a bin or basket placed at the proper side of the rocker. It is preferable, however, to provide a chute. 64 to receive the forming blocks, this chute conducting the blocks to a belt conveyer 65 which travels in the bottom of a runway 66, this runway leading toward the end of the machine where the magazine for the forming blocks is located, and a projection or stop 67 is preferably provided in the runway to arrest the forming blocks after they reach a position in proximity to the magazine. The attendant may conveniently remove the blocks from the runway 66 and place them in the magazine 7. The conveyer 65 may be driven in any suitable way, it being driven in the present instance by a chain 68 which in path of the block as the same is advanced to the position where the cup or receptacle is to be removed therefrom. This arm will thus act as a stop to prevent advance of the block beyond its proper position. The arm, however, is retracted after it has positioned the block in order to provide a clear path for the removal of the paper cup or receptacle. For this purpose, a cam 74 is provided with which a portion 7 5 of the arm 72 cooperates, and a spring 76 acts to hold the portion in engagement with the cam. The cam is rotated by the shaft 46 on which it is mounted, the arm 72 in consequence operating in properly timed relation to the operation of the sectors.

The cup or receptacle produced by the machine as herein shown and described is capable of receiving a pack of cigarettes or contents of other character without catching of the contents during its insertion, as the side flaps which are first folded lie at the inner side of the bottom flaps, and hence the bottom flaps will not form an obstruction to the insertion of the contents.

By providing circulating forming blocks upon which the cups or receptacles are made, certainty in the different operations and uniformity in the sizes and shapes of the cups or receptacles are secured. The mode of removing the completed cups or receptacles from the blocks avoids damage to or distortion of the cups, and by feeding the sheets to the blocks automatically, the sheets are presented in uniformly correct relation to the blocks.

I claim as my invention 1. A machine of the class described, comprising a runway, means for intermittently advancing a row of blocks having cups formed thereon, the blocks of the row being in endwise relation, a device movable into position at one end of the runway to arrest the advancing movement of the foremost block in the row, said device being capable of retraction, and means for removing the cup from the foremost block while said arresting device is in retracted position.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing a row of forming blocks having cups formed thereon, a member mounted to move into position in front of the row of blocks to arrest the advancing movement of the foremost block in the row, said member being capable of retraction out of the path of the blocks, means for holding the foremost block in the row against advancing movement, and means to cooperate with the cup on the foremost block while so held and while said member is retracted.

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing blocks carrying cups formed thereon, an arm arranged to swing into and out of the path of advancement of said block, said arm acting to arrest the advancing movement of the block, means for engaging and thus holding the block from advancing movement, and means to cooperate with the opposite sides of the cup on such block to remove the cup endwise therefrom.

4. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing blocks carrying cups formed thereon, a pivoted arm having a portion arranged to swing into the path of movement of the blocks to arrest the advancing movement of each block when it reaches a predetermined position, means for holding the foremost block from advancing movement, and means for removing the cup endwise from the foremost block while said arm is retracted.

5. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing in end wise relation a row of blocks having cups formed thereon, a member mounted to swing into and out of the path of movement of the blocks to arrest the advancing movement of each block at a predetermined point, means to engage the foremost block while it occupies said predetermined position of advancement, and means for removing the cup from the foremost block while it is so engaged.

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing in endwise relation a row of forming blocks, each having an aperture therein and also having a cup formed thereon, a member movable into the path of the foremost block to arrest the advance thereof at a predetermined point, a block holding member having a pin arranged to register with and to engage in the hole in the foremost block when it occupies said predetermined position, and means operative on the cup on the foremost block to remove the same therefrom while such block is held from movement by said p 7. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a runway, a row of blocks having cups formed thereon and arranged to have endwise abutting engagement, a plunger acting on one end of the row of blocks to advance said row intermittently, a member movable into the path of the blocks at the opposite end of the row to arrest the advance of the foremost block, said member being capable of retraction, and means for removing the cup from each block as the latter reaches the foremost position in the row.

8. In a machine of the class described the combination of a runway, a row 0 blocks in endwise engagement in the runway and having cups formed thereon, a reciprocatory member operative on the row of blocks to advance them intermittently, a member movable into and out of the path of movement of the blocks to successively arrest the advancing movements of the foremost blocks in the row, means operative to successively engage the foremost blocks in the row when arrested, and means operative on the cup of each foremost block to remove the cup therefrom.

9. In a machine for making paper receptacles, the combination of means for advancing a row of blocks having paper receptacles formed thereon, a member mounted to move into the path of the foremost block in the row to arrest the advance of such block at a predetermined point, means for retracting said member periodically, means for holding each block from advancing movement as such block reaches the foremost position in the row, and means cooperative with the cup on such block to remove the cup endWise therefrom.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing endvise a block having a cup formed thereon, means for engaging and thus holding the block from further advancing movement, and opposed members having relatively yieldable friction faces to cooperate With the opposite sides of the cup to remove the cup endWise from such block.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing a row of blocks having cups thereon, means for successively holding the blocks from further advancing movement When such blocks reach a predetermined position at the foremost end of the row, and a pair of opposed segmental friction faces of rubber mounted to bear and roll on opposite sides of the cup on the foremost block to remove the cup therefrom.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination of means for advancing a row of blocks in endwise relation and having cups formed thereon, means for successively holding each block stationary as it reaches the foremost position in the row, and opposed friction faces movable at equal speed and operating frictionally upon opposite sides of the cup on the foremost block to remove such cup endWise from the block. 13. In a machine for making paper cups, the combination of blocks adapted to carry cups formed thereon, means for removing the formed cups from the blocks, and a rocker having pockets to receive, respectively, the cups and the forming blocks.

14:. In a machine for making paper receptacles, the combination of blocks adapted to carry receptacles formed thereon, means for removing the formed receptacles from the blocks, and a member having pockets to separately receive the cups and blocks. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

' EDWARD L. BRAGY.

Witnesses:

WM. D. GOULD, J. D. GALLoWAY, Sr.

Correction in Letters Patent No. 1,338,552.

It is hereby certified that Letters Patent No. 1,338,552, granted April 27, 1920, upon the application of Edward L. Bracy, of Baltimore, Maryland, for an improvement in Paeking-Paper-Gup-Making Machines, were erroneously issued to the inventor, said Braey, whereas said Letters Patent should have been issued to Richard H. Wright, of Durham, North Carolina, as assignee of the entire interest in said invention, as shown by the record of assignments in this ofliee; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the ease in the Patent Ofiiee.

, Signed and sealed this 25th day of May, A. D., 1920.

[SEAL] M. H. GOULSTON,

Acting Commissioner of Patents. C1. 93--44. 

